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Preview: Norwich vs. West Bromwich Albion

Sports Mole previews the Premier League clash between Norwich and West Brom as the Baggies look to pick up crucial points against a side unbeaten in seven home games.

Things went from bad to worse at relegation-threatened West Bromwich Albion this week as news of a changing room bust-up become public knowledge.

James Morrison is said to have punched teammate Saido Berahino in the immediate aftermath of Albion's dramatic 3-3 Premier League draw with Cardiff City.

Berahino's conceding of possession in stoppage time allowed the Bluebirds to race up the other end and score a 93rd-minute equaliser, much to Morrison's displeasure.

England Under-21 international Berahino was believed to be considering suing the former Middlesbrough midfielder before the Baggies persuaded him that was not a necessary course of action.

In a show of unity, manager Pepe Mel could name both men on the field at Carrow Road on Saturday afternoon as West Brom get back to fighting against the drop, rather than fighting each other.

The West Midlands side are only three points above safety and are being left in the thick of a survival battle while other teams around them, such as Norwich City, have moved clear of the bottom three.

It is a run of seven home games without defeat which has seen the Canaries climb six points away from the relegation zone, although Chris Hughton's men will not feel completely safe just yet.

A win against Albion on Saturday would go far to securing Norwich's Premier League status and therefore Hughton should continue with two forwards in the form of Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Johan Elmander.

Jonas Gutierrez could be recalled to the home starting lineup after making his return from six weeks out off the bench in the 3-0 defeat to Swansea, while Bradley Johnson is also pushing for a start.

Leroy Fer and long-term absentee Elliott Bennett remain sidelined and although Michael Turner and Joseph Yobo are both close to full fitness, Ryan Bennett may be retained in the centre of defence.

Mel, who has only won one game since being appointed Albion boss in December, is likely to choose between Berahino and Thievy for the lone striker role if Victor Anichebe's hamstring injury keeps him out.

The former Everton striker faces a late fitness test ahead of the trip to East Anglia, but Chris Brunt, Claudio Yacob and Billy Jones are all at least one week away from making a first-term comeback.

Jonas Olsson is available again after completing a two-match suspension for picking up 10 yellow cards.

Recent form

Norwich: LWLDLW

West Brom: DLWLDD

Possible starting lineups

Norwich: Ruddy; Martin, Bennett, Bassong, Olsson; Gutierrez, Tettey, Johnson, Snodgrass; Van Wolfswinkel, Elmander

West Brom: Foster; Reid, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell; Amalfitano, Dorrans, Mulumbu, Morrison; Sessegnon; Berahino

Sports Mole says: 1-0


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